Guide Note
"Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television", also known as "Seven Dirty Words", was a comedy routine by George Carlin that used seven words that were considered inappropriate for use on television. A 1973 airing of a similar monologue by Carlin, "Filthy Words" led to a Supreme Court ruling which redefined what is currently considered "indecent" vs. "obscene" speech on TV and radio.
Fast Facts
- "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television" was off of Carlin's 1972 album Class Clown
- 1973 album Occupation: Foole contained similar monologue "Filthy Words"
- Uncensored "Filthy Words" aired on Pacifica Radio, led to Supreme Court case FCC v. Pacifica Foundation in 1978
- Arrested on July 21, 1972 for disturbing the peace after performing "Seven Dirty Words" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Freed on $150 bail
- Case dismissed: Indecent language but supported under free speech and public disturbance unfounded1
The Seven Words
- S--t
- P-ss
- F--k
- C--t
- C--------r
- Motherf----r
- T-ts
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